Herbal Monograph: Mullein

Botanical name:

Parts used: 

• Flowers (second-year plants)
• Leaves (first-year plants)
• Roots (harvested in the fall or winter)

Energetics:

• Leaf and flower: Cooling and moist.
• The root: warming. It has a slightly bitter, earthy taste.

Taste: 

• Mullein’s predominant taste is salty & sweet since it constitutes mostly minerals and mucilage. The salty taste might be better referred to as“earthy” or “mineraly,” as opposed to truly salty as found in sea vegetables.  The salty taste indicates a high level of minerals.
• The sweetness is attributed to the demulcent mucilage in the plant. This points towards a primary energetic property of Mullein being a moistening agent. The leaves also have a mild bit of astringency to them as well, which is a unique combination with sweetness.  There are not a wide variety of plants that are both moistening and astringent. 
• The flavor of Mullein’s root is mildly astringent and slightly bitter. It has an earthy, 
  robust taste. 

Key constituents:

Plant properties and primary actions:

Plant Indications

• Asthma and bronchitis

• Coughs, colds, and flu

• Earache (flower)

• Eczema and skin inflammation

• Chronic lung conditions

• Hemorrhoids

• Respiratory illness with signs of heat

• Wounds and bruises

• Urinary tract infections

Organ Systems and Tissues

The primary organs, systems, and tissues that mullein has an affinity for.

Respiratory System

Mullein is well recognized as a lung herb. It is primarily utilized as a tonic for the respiratory system and to restore the integrity of the mucosal membranes throughout the tract. It supports the bronchi, trachea, and deeper lung tissues by cooling inflammation, restoring moisture, and gently relaxing tension. Mullein is deeply strengthening, tonifying, and nourishing to the airways of the body.

It is specifically indicated for respiratory conditions marked by a dry, irritable cough. By toning the mucous membranes, mullein improves tissue resilience over time, making it valuable in both acute respiratory illness and chronic lung weakness. It is often chosen when the lungs need soothing rather than stimulation.

Musculoskeletal System

Mullein has a special affinity for the skeletal system, particularly the spine, a relationship often reflected in its tall, upright flowering stalk. It is lubricating to the synovial fluids within joints and bones and is therefore commonly used to support injuries, pain, or misalignments.

Traditionally, mullein root is used to support alignment, tone, and structural integrity, especially where weakness or instability is present.

Lymphatic System

During acute infection, swelling of lymphatic tissue is common, particularly in the neck and throat, including the tonsils, adenoids, and uvula. Remedies such as mullein help calm lymphatic tissues, disperse stagnation, and support the immune system’s filtering and cleansing functions.

Mullein works by cooling inflamed tissues, softening congestion, and restoring healthy fluid dynamics, allowing lymphatic flow to normalize naturally rather than forcing movement.

Ears

The flowers and leaves of mullein have a traditional affinity for the ears, particularly in cases of earache associated with inflammation rather than infection alone. When infused into oil, mullein flowers help calm irritated tissues, reduce discomfort, and support the ear’s natural healing processes. This affinity reflects mullein’s broader relationship with mucous membranes and delicate epithelial tissues.

Urinary System

Mullein has a mild yet meaningful affinity for the urinary system. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory nature calms irritated tissues and eases discomfort when heat or inflammation is present rather than cold or stagnation.

It also has a specific influence on the bladder nerves, lending indications for use in states of incontinence.

Skin

Externally, mullein shows a clear affinity for the skin and superficial tissues. Oil infusions and extracts are traditionally used to soothe inflamed, irritated, or wounded skin. Its cooling, moistening, and protective qualities make it useful where the skin is hot, sensitive, or slow to heal.

Plant Preparations

• Tea (flowers and leaves)

• Nourishing herbal infusion (leaves)

• Decoction (roots)

• Tincture (all parts)

• Fomentation (leaves)

• Infused oil (flowers)

• Smoke (leaves)

Safety

The tiny hairs on the underside of mullein leaves may be irritating to those with sensitive skin. Proper straining of preparations is recommended.
No adverse events, contraindications, or known interactions have been reported.

Clinical Patterns and Uses

Neurological & Skeletal Pain

Mullein may be used as a remedy for the bones, and particularly the backbone. It acts upon alignment and the synovial fluids within the spine, supporting the movement of moisture into dry tissues and joints.

Its lubricating action supports the integrity of joints, bones, ligaments, and cartilage and is well suited for joint pain and musculoskeletal conditions marked by dryness or rigidity. Many of the musculoskeletal and neurological actions of mullein are attributed to the root, which carries a deeper structural affinity.

“One of my students used an infusion of mullein root to treat Bell’s palsy that occurred as a complication of Lyme disease, and it resolved the problem completely. Years later, David Winston told me he had been using it for Bell’s palsy for well over a decade and considered it useful in other cases of facial nerve pain, along with other herbs such as St. John’s wort and Jamaican dogwood.”
— Jim McDonald

Respiratory Conditions

Mullein is best known as a respiratory ally. It tones and soothes irritated mucous membranes, reduces inflammation, and encourages healthy fluid production, making it especially useful when coughs are dry, tight, or sore.

It is considered a specific herb for bronchitis accompanied by a hard cough and chest discomfort. Its demulcent and anti-inflammatory qualities make it valuable in inflammation of the trachea and related respiratory conditions.

Key anti-inflammatory compounds found in mullein include quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which also contribute antioxidant activity.

Mullein is indicated when lung tissues feel tight and wheezy with a hacking cough that comes and goes, as well as in general bronchial irritation and asthmatic bronchitis. Beyond acute illness, mullein serves as a trophorestorative for chronically weak or depleted lungs.

Its unique synergy as both an astringent and demulcent makes it beneficial when mucous membranes are either weakened and atrophied or overly relaxed and lacking tone. It is an excellent remedy for smokers with chronic dry, wheezy coughs and respiratory tracts worn down by prolonged coughing.

Antimicrobial & Antifungal

Research has explored mullein’s antimicrobial properties, particularly against microbes associated with urinary tract infections. Extracts have shown activity against organisms such as Candida albicans and E. coli.

Clinical trials have also established the effectiveness of mullein, particularly flower preparations, for earaches, especially when combined with herbs such as St. John’s wort and garlic.

Skin Healing & Topical Use

For external use, an oil infusion of mullein flowers is excellent for soothing surface inflammation and supporting wound healing. It is gentle, calming, and well suited for irritated or compromised skin.

One of the most common traditional uses of mullein is for the ears, where infused flower oil is a long-standing remedy for earache and ear infection.

Urinary System

Mullein has a mild yet meaningful affinity for the urinary tract. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory nature calms irritated tissues and eases discomfort associated with heat or inflammation. Mullein may also help reduce inflammation of the prostate and can be useful in cases of incontinence due to its tonifying effects.

References

• Medical Herbalism — David Hoffmann

• The Botanical Safety Handbook — American Herbal Products Association

• Medicinal Herbs — Rosemary Gladstar

• The Botanical Institute

• Sajah Popham, Evolutionary Herbalism